A Nice Surprise

I just received an email today and it was appropriate since Veterans Day was this past Friday.

I spent my four year Navy career on one ship, USS WILLIAM H. STANDLEY (DLG-32). For most of that time, the commanding officer was Captain Al Blanks.

Captain Blanks was a 'Mustang.' That's someone who stared their Navy career as an enlisted man and then became an officer. He was an enlisted sailor in World War II and became an officer after the war.

I learned so much from this man - not only what I needed to know as a Naval officer, but also what I needed to know as a man - integrity, respect, absolute honesty, brevity, character, honor, duty - and not to ever assume. He had a sign on his desk that said, "When you assume, you make an ASS out of U and ME." And, he was a man who could correct you in such a way that you never felt demeaned. Even after chewing you out, he would give you a smile that said, "We're still OK." Being a former enlisted man, he knew how to relate to both enlisted and officer. For him, being an officer was just another job.

The STANDLEY served in Vietnam twice and on the last tour made an around the world trip while I was on board. As a result, a lot of us have kept in touch over the years and we've had several reunions. Betty and I were able to make the first reunion, but none of the later ones.

So, I was very pleased to get an email today that Captain Blanks sent out telling everyone how he and his wife Helen survived another Veterans Day celebration at their church. And, he attached the following pictures.

There are a few people in all our lives who change the direction of our lives and Captain Blanks is one of those people in my life. I am honored to call him friend.